Is Surgery Recommended for a Benign Brain Tumor?

When you hear the word benign, it’s easy to assume everything is fine and no treatment is necessary. But when it comes to brain tumors, benign doesn't always mean harmless.

Even non-cancerous brain tumors can cause significant symptoms depending on their size, location, and growth rate. That means the question of whether surgery gets recommended for your benign brain tumor doesn’t have a simple answer — it requires careful consideration, and our team is ready to help.

David A. Wiles, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating both benign and cancerous brain tumors, and here’s a closer look at some of the factors we consider when recommending treatment.

Why benign brain tumors can cause symptoms

Benign tumors aren’t cancerous. And while that’s generally good news, brain tumors have limited space to grow, unlike benign tumors in other parts of your body that might go completely unnoticed.

Your skull is a rigid structure with very little space, so even a slow-growing benign tumor can press against delicate brain tissue, blood vessels, and nerves as it enlarges. And this pressure is what can create symptoms.

Benign brain tumor symptoms vary depending on the tumor's location, size, and growth rate. The part of your brain that’s affected determines what symptoms you experience, and a few possible symptoms include new or worsening headaches, balance problems, seizures, and vision, hearing, or speech problems.

These symptoms can develop gradually or occur suddenly, depending on the tumor’s growth.

How to determine if benign brain tumor surgery is right for you

Before jumping to conclusions about a brain tumor, it’s important to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. Many conditions can mimic brain tumor symptoms, and Dr. Wiles completes a thorough evaluation to confirm your diagnosis and understand exactly what you're dealing with.

We tailor your treatment plan according to your specific needs. We consider your overall health and evaluate key factors to help determine if we recommend surgery for you.

Tumor location and accessibility

The location of your tumor is perhaps the most critical factor influencing your treatment plan. Dr. Wiles may recommend surgery when your brain tumor is in an accessible area that he can safely reach without damaging critical brain structures.

However, surgery may not be the best option if your brain tumor is very close to areas of your brain that control vital functions like movement, speech, vision, or memory. In this case, the risk of completely removing the tumor with surgery might outweigh the benefits.

Tumor size and growth rate

If your tumor is small and not growing, you might not need immediate surgery. Dr. Wiles may recommend a watch-and-wait approach with regular imaging to monitor any changes. However, if your tumor is large or growing rapidly and causing worsening symptoms, surgery becomes more urgent.

Your symptoms and quality of life

The severity of your symptoms plays a major role in the decision. If your tumor significantly impacts your daily life — for example, it’s causing debilitating headaches, seizures, vision loss, or cognitive changes — surgery to remove or reduce the tumor can dramatically improve your quality of life.

A brain tumor diagnosis can be worrisome, whether it’s cancerous or benign, but you have treatment options. Book a consultation with Dr. Wiles and our team to learn more about your diagnosis and find a treatment plan that works for you. Call our Chattanooga, Tennessee, office at 423-459-9800 or request an appointment online today.